Modelling fine-scale habitat associations of medium-to-large forest mammals in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania using camera trapping

Abstract

We used camera trap data collected in 2013 from 60 locations in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania to determine fine-scale habitat associations for medium-to-large mammal species. The area is outstanding for biodiversity and endemism in Africa, particularly for mammals. Each camera trap sampled for 30 days and the survey yielded 12,911 images of 26 species. We used generalized linear modelling to determine relationships between camera-trapping events and vegetation and other habitat variables, and obtained satisfactory model fit for 9 out of the 11 most recorded species, with explained model deviance up to 63.7%. Results provide novel insights into the ecology of target species. For example, the event count of the IUCN-endangered Abbott's duiker (Cephalophus spadix) was positively correlated with distance to the park border, indicating preference for interior forest and avoidance of disturbance. The event count of the Eastern Arc-endemic Lowe's servaline genet (Genetta servalina lowei) was positively correlated with diversity of large trees but negatively correlated with visibility and herbaceous cover, indicating preference for mature forest habitat. Our study validates the usefulness of camera trapping to assess communities of forest mammals, especially as related to habitat associations, providing data that are of relevance to their conservation management.